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The Over 50 Club
From the Fall 2009 Edition of Clippings Magazine
Welcome to Half a Century
by Patricia McDonough
The Over Fifty Club at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs was started over fifty years ago by Monsignor Colligan. It started with a small group of 16 men and women; they met in the basement of the chapel. The purpose was for people to meet to share ideas and a fellowship, and enjoy each other’s company.
They slowly enhanced the meeting by organizing day trips and occasionally did trips lasting a week. The fellowship in the club grew until in the year 2002 our membership was 118 people.
Today we have 65 members. Some members had parents who belonged to the club years before; we also have people who join from other neighboring parishes. We meet twice a month, the first and third Tuesday of the month in the community room. Our meetings are fun and enjoyable. On occasion we play Bingo, have luncheons, auctions, boutiques and other entertainment. In addition we have speakers who come to address the group on topics that are of special concern and interest to seniors. Twice a year we hold a group luncheon at an outside restaurant. One of our members organizes trips for our enjoyment which include day trips where we go to dinner theaters or plays. Since we are also a ministry in the Church we try to contribute our support to other organizations in the parish, such as parish outreach and Nicaragua.
If you come to our meeting for the first time you will find someone to greet you and serve coffee and tea. Each table brings their own cakes. We do not take dues; however, we appreciate a donation of $1.50 to enable us to get our needed supplies.
Since joining the Over Fifty Club, I have made new friends and renewed some old ones. I have enjoyed working with the group and for the group. Being a member has enhanced my life and allowed me to share with others.
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